Mr. Speaker, how do we ensure that fear will never defeat us as Canadians?
Families in Tumbler Ridge have faced every parent's worst nightmare. Innocent lives were taken, and many other people were injured. To the grieving families, we offer our deepest condolences. Their loss is felt across this country. To the people recovering and to the students and teachers carrying trauma, we stand beside them.
We thank the teachers who protected their students, the first responders who ran toward danger and the health care workers who worked tirelessly to save lives.
In Burnaby Central, we come from many cultures and speak different languages, but we stand as one in our promise: Our children should grow up free from violence.
Today we hold Tumbler Ridge in our hearts. We rise together. By choosing light over hatred, solidarity over division, and peace over violence, we deny fear its power. In every choice we make, we uphold Canada, a land of courage and a home of compassion.